Multi-band, multi-channel, location-aware communications booster

ABSTRACT

The invention is a device for multiband, multi-channel, wireless communications that automatically provides signal amplification when necessary, and that automatically avoids harmful interference to base stations and other parts of the communications infrastructure. The device is especially suitable for, but not limited to, cellular and PCS bands and channels. The invention is a unique combination of a bidirectional amplifier, a GPS receiver, a processor, and a removable, updatable memory. The memory stores comprehensive information that determines if amplification is necessary at a particular location sensed by the GPS receiver. Because the memory is removable and updatable, it therefore provides protection against piracy and unauthorized and improper use.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to wireless communications boosters,including but not limited to cellular/PCS boosters, which automaticallyadjust their gain and reduce their interference by comparing their GPSderived positions with a collection of attributes stored in removableand updatable electronic memories.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Wireless communication networks are limited, with respect to range andcoverage, by deterioration of signals to unacceptably weak levels.Indiscriminately boosting or amplifying signals by individualsubscribers, however, causes interference that can render large portionsof the network useless. Such interference causes harm to both thesubscriber and the service provider. The subscriber loses the servicethat he or she originally hoped to enhance by signal boosting. Theservice provider loses revenue from unrealized connections andeventually from lost subscribers dissatisfied with poor service. What isneeded is a communications booster that is sufficiently “smart” andfoolproof to know when and where to amplify or not to amplify.

In particular, a smart communications booster must be able to sensewhere it is located with respect to base stations. For example, if it istoo close to a base station, then it can cause overwhelming interferenceto the base station with an unnecessarily amplified signal. To preventsuch interference, the smart booster must have continuous access to amap so that it can compare its location with the known locations of basestations. A memory card, which is an essential part of this invention,is the ideal way to provide a map. Further, such memory cards areremovable so that they can be revised or replaced as the locations ofbase stations, and other attributes of the communicationsinfrastructure, change over time.

Methods presently exist to compensate primarily for the deterioration ofsignals, with little or no attention to the interference those methodsmay cause. In the case of cellular and PCS communications networks, forexample, four such methods are: 1) bi-directional amplifiers, or BDAs;2) additional cell sites; 3) femtocells; and 4) private subscriber highgain antennas. Bi-directional amplifiers boost both uplink and downlinksignals, without regard to signal strength. Additional base stations canprovide service at locations where coverage was not previouslyavailable. Femtocells extend coverage into small regions such as homeinteriors by transferring the wireless link to the internet. Individualsubscribers can attach special purpose antennas to their transceiversthat provide signal gain. All of these approaches, however, havesignificant disadvantages.

Bi-directional amplifiers, or BDAs, boost both uplink and downlinksignals whether the subscriber is located far away from or in closeproximity to a base station. In the latter case, the boosted uplinksignal overwhelms the base station, rendering it effectivelyinoperative. The interfering signal may exceed that allowed by FCCregulations. Countless connections are dropped or never completed solong as the subscriber remains in dose proximity. BDAs cannot sensetheir locations with respect to base stations. BDAs are completelyuncontrolled by service providers, leaving those providers unprotected.They cannot be remotely controlled so that an adversely affected basestation might switch them off. It follows that BDAs cause substantialloss of revenue to service providers.

Additional cell sites are not practical in many cases, especially at thevery locations where they might do the most good. In marginal areas withfew subscribers, the capital expenditure for a complete base stationcannot be justified. In residential areas, restrictive zoning and publicopposition, prevent the construction of new base stations.

Femtocells are by design limited to locations that can provide internetaccess. So, except within the confines of a small region, such as a homeinterior, they are not suitable for mobile use. They are certainly notsuitable for wide ranging mobile stations.

Customized antennas for individual subscribers are generally notpractical. They are by definition expensive compared with mass producedantennas. They require specialized engineering knowledge by thesubscriber. Generally, they are large and must be carefully oriented sothat they are not suitable for mobile stations. Again because of size orelevation on a tall tower, they may be prohibited by zoningrestrictions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a “smart” communications booster for mobile stations,suitable for multi-band and multi-channel operation, including, but notlimited to cellular and PCS (Personal Communication System) bands. Itprovides amplified signals where such signals would otherwise be weakand unusable, yet refrains from amplification when it is unnecessary andwould cause harmful interference to base stations and other parts of thecommunications infrastructure. To achieve this, the invention is aunique and novel combination of a bidirectional amplifier, a GPSreceiver, a processor, and a removable, updatable memory. Thebidirectional amplifier provides signal enhancement when needed. The GPSreceiver senses the location of the mobile station. The processor andmemory determine whether or not amplification is necessary based uponthe sensed location. Further, the processor and memory determine whichcommunications bands and channels are in use at the location, andprovide amplification only for those bands and channels. Thus, thisinvention overcomes the chief disadvantage of existing communicationsboosters, that is, the harmful interference caused by unnecessaryamplification.

A unique feature of the invention is a removable and updatable memorycard. Thus, information about the location determined by the GPSreceiver is kept current, ensuring that amplification is provided andinterference is avoided, according to the most recent configuration ofthe communications infrastructure. Further, the memory card includessecurity provisions so that it cannot be pirated and can be issued onlyby authorized sources, such as a communications carrier provider.

It is therefore an object of the invention to automatically provideamplification of communications signals between mobile and base stationswhen such signals are otherwise too weak to be useable.

It is another object of the invention to automatically avoidamplification when it is unnecessary and would cause harmfulinterference to base stations and other parts of the communicationsinfrastructure.

It is another object of the invention to use GPS (Global PositioningSystem) to automatically sense the location of the mobile station.

It is another object of the invention to use a processor plus memory toautomatically evaluate the location in order to determine the necessityof signal amplification.

It is another object of the invention to provide a removable andupdatable memory card so that the latest configuration of thecommunications infrastructure is used to determine the need foramplification or for the avoidance of harmful interference.

It is another object of the invention to provide security measures sothat the memory card cannot be pirated or used in a manner such thatharmful interference would result to communications infrastructure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained byreference to the accompanying drawings, when considered in conjunctionwith the subsequent, detailed description, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram view of a cellular booster with GPS base mapand band-channel specific operation;

FIGS. 2A and 2B taken together are a flowchart view of a the softwareprogram required to operate the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram view of a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a filter section of the preferredembodiment;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a summing and power amplifier circuit ofthe preferred embodiment; and

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, and 6F taken together are a schematic view ofa microcontroller circuit used in the preferred embodiment.

For purposes of clarity and brevity, like elements and components willbear the same designations and numbering throughout the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the invention, showing a cellular boosteramplifier coupled to a Global Positioning System receiver to providegeographic coordinates, and also coupled to a Memory 104 containingcommunications related attributes such as bands, channels, and proximityto base stations at those geographic coordinates.

A novel feature of the invention is its ability to sense its geographiclocation. This is accomplished using Global Positioning System (GPS)signals incident on the GPS Antenna 100, which, in turn conducts thosesignals into the GPS Receiver 102. The GPS Receiver 102 delivers datausing a Decoder Bus 112 into a general purpose digital Processor 116.Within the Processor 116, a specialized Decoder 114 extracts thegeographic location of the device, expressed as a pair of coordinates,i.e., latitude and longitude. These coordinates are compared with storedpairs in the Memory 104, using the Latitude Bus 106 and Longitude Bus108. Along with each stored pair is a file of useful attributes for thatlocation. An example of an attribute might be proximity to acommunications tower or base station, the communications bands andchannels in use at that location, or the presence of a distinctivestructure such as a tunnel. These attributes are communicated from theMemory 104 to the Processor 116 via the Attribute Bus 110. So, thecombined use of the GPS Receiver 102, Processor 116, and Memory 104provides the invention with its unique ability to sense where it islocated and what is unique and special about that location.

The invention also provides features relating to human factors whichinform the user of its status and activities. These features arecollectively displayed in the Indicators 144 component of the invention.The statuses of various device components are communicated via theStatus Bus 118, and are displayed as lights such as LEDs. These lightsare concentrated or clustered in the Status Indicator 120. Attributes ofspecial interest are described as text, and these are communicated fromthe Processor 116 via the Text Bus 122 to the Attribute Display 124. TheAttribute Display 124 can be an LCD or other type of legible display.

The main purpose for sensing the geographic location and relatedattributes is to selectively control the amplification of duplexcommunication signals using a Bidirectional Amplifier 130. To this end,the Processor 116 delivers control signals to the BidirectionalAmplifier 130 via the Enabler Bus 132. The control signals are logicallyarrayed or sorted according to band and channel. In the drawing, thearray is written as EN(M,N). EN is shorthand for “enabling array”. Mdenotes Band M, and N denotes Channel N. Thus, EN(M,N) is the enablingsignal for Channel N within Band M. The enabling signal itself has onlyone of two values, “on” or “off”. If it is “on”, then the BidirectionalAmplifier 130 is operational for Channel N within Band M. If theenabling signal is “off”, then amplification is not required and theamplifier is deactivated.

In operation, three enabling signals are communicated. One identifiesthe band or bands in use at the geographic location of the device. Itactivates the appropriate devices within the Multi-band Selector 134. Asecond signal identifies the channel or channels in use at thegeographic location. It activates the appropriate devices within theMulti-channel Selector 136. The third signal actually activates ordeactivates the amplifier or amplifiers specific to those band(s) andchannel(s) using the On/Off Switch 138.

Thanks to its unique ability to sense geographic location and pertinentattributes, the invention instructs the Bidirectional Amplifier 130 toincrease or enhance the duplex communication signals only whennecessary. Base Downlink 154 signals are incident upon the Donor Antenna142, which in turn is connected to the Bidirectional Amplifier 130 withthe Donor Antenna Terminal 140. Similarly, Base Uplink 152 signals arebroadcast from the Donor Antenna 142, amplified if necessary. MobileDownlink 150 signals are transmitted from the Rebroadcast Antenna 126,which is connected to the Bidirectional Amplifier 130 with theRebroadcast Antenna Terminal 128. Mobile Uplink 148 signals are incidentupon the same Rebroadcast Antenna 126. Thus, duplex communicationbetween the Mobile Transceiver 146 and the Base Transceiver 156 isamplified only when necessary, preventing interference due tounnecessary or over amplification.

FIGS. 2A and 2B, taken together, are a flowchart view of the softwareprogram required to operate the present invention.

The flowchart begins with a Start Block 200. Start Block 200 includesapplying power to the device by the user. Start Block 200 then proceedsto Initialize Hardware 202. Initialize Hardware 202 includes resettingthe Processor 116 internal memory 104 registers to predetermined values,setting certain software timing values to generate serial data baudrates appropriate for serial data communication with the GPS receiver102, setting certain software timing values to generate timing signalsappropriate for serial data communication with the Memory 104, andinstructing the attribute display to accept command on a 4-bit data bus.

Initialize Hardware 202 then proceeds to Uplink Amplifier Off 204, whichthen disables the uplink amplifier.

Uplink Amplifier Off 204 then proceeds to Update Controls 206, whichoutputs the corresponding Status Indicator 120 and Attribute Display 124information.

Update Controls 206 then proceeds to Memory Card Present Decision Block208, which determines the physical presence of the Memory 104. If theMemory 104 is not present, the device will continuously search in theMemory Card Present Decision Block 208 loop for the Memory 104 to beinserted. This search will terminate if either a Memory 104 is insertedor the device is turned off. If the Memory 104 is present, Memory CardPresent Decision Block 208 proceeds to GPS Lock Decision Block 210.

If a GPS signal is not being received an interval timer is set and GPSLock Decision Block 210 then proceeds to Timer Expired Decision Block212. Appropriate values for the interval timer associated with the TimerExpired Decision Block 212 range from approximately 30 seconds to 2minutes and is a pre-determined value. The purpose of the timer is toallow continued operation in the then existing mode of operation duringtemporary loss of GPS signals. Such situations occur frequently inparking garages, tunnels, canyons, large urban corridors and similartopographies.

If a GPS signal is not being received, the Increment Timer 214 willadvance by one second. If the interval timer associated with TimerExpired Decision Block 212 expires, the device will abandon the process246 of waiting for a GPS signal and proceed to GPS Amp Off 254 block,which will disable the uplink amplifier. GPS Amp Off 254 block thenproceeds to the Memory Card Present Decision Block 208.

If a GPS signal is being received, GPS Lock Decision Block 210 thenproceeds to the Get GPS Data 216 block, which transfers the GPSLatitude, Longitude, Altitude, Date and Time information to theProcessor 116. Get GPS Data 216 then proceeds to Decode GPS Data 218block which translates the serial data received on the Decoder Bus 112to values appropriate for further processing by the Processor 116.Decode GPS Data 218 block then proceeds to GPS Data Valid Decision Block220 which analyzes the syntax of the information received on the DecoderBus 112 and determines whether such data is corrupt or malformed. If theGPS data cannot be interpreted, GPS Data Valid Decision Block 220 thenproceeds to the Memory Card Present Decision Block 208. Note that inthis case, the then current operational status of the device is notaltered.

If the GPS data is received without errors, GPS Data Valid DecisionBlock 220 then proceeds to Altitude Decision Block 222 where the GPSaltitude information is compared to a predetermined value, typically15,000 feet. If the current GPS-reported altitude is greater than thispredetermined value, Altitude Decision Block 222 then proceeds toAltitude Amp Off Block 224 which disables the uplink amplifier, and thenonto Update Controls Altitude Off Block 226 which updates the StatusIndicator 120 and Attribute Display 124, and finally, returns programcontrol to Memory Card Present Decision Block 208.

Referring now to Altitude Decision Block 222, if the GPS-reportedaltitude is less than the predetermined value, typically 15,000 feet,Altitude Decision Block 222 then proceeds to the Authenticate Block 228,which verifies that the Memory 104 presently connected to the device isproperly authorized for use.

Authenticate Block 228 then proceeds to Memory Valid Decision Block 230which performs certain software security algorithms to determine whetherthe data files stored in Memory 104 have been pirated. If the MemoryValid Decision Block 230 detects tampering with the Memory 104 datafiles, Memory Valid Decision Block 230 then proceeds to Memory Amp OffBlock 232 which will disable the uplink amplifier. Memory Amp Off Block232 then proceeds to Update Controls Memory 234 to output thecorresponding Status Indicator 120 and Attribute Display 124information.

Referring now to Memory Valid Decision Block 230, if the data filescontained in the Memory 104 pass the software security algorithm and aredetermined to be authentic, Memory Valid Decision Block 230 thenproceeds to Find Base Map Record 236.

Find Base map Record 236 searches the Memory 104 for a record matchingthe then current latitude and longitude data as retrieved from the GPSReceiver 102. Find Base map Record 236 then proceeds to Match FoundDecision Block 238. If a record matching the then current latitude andlongitude data can not be located within the Memory 104, Match FoundDecision Block 238 then proceeds to Match Amp Off Block 250 whichdisables the uplink amplifier. Match Amp Off Block 250 then proceeds toUpdate Controls Match 252 which outputs the corresponding StatusIndicator 120 and Attribute Display 124 information.

Referring now to Match Found Decision Block 238, if a record matchingthe then current latitude and longitude data is located within theMemory 104, Match Found Decision Block 238 then proceeds to DataEncrypted Decision Block 240. The Data Encryption Data Block determineswhether the matching record retrieved from Memory 104 is encrypted orencoded as a further security measure. If Data Encryption Data Blockdetermines that the matching record is encrypted or encoded, DataEncryption Data Block then proceeds to Decryption 244, where the data isunencrypted or un-encoded, as needed. Decryption 244 then proceeds toProcess 246.

If the Data Encryption Data Block determines that the matching record isnot encrypted or encoded, Data Encryption Data Block then proceeds toPass String 242, which accepts the Memory 104 record “as-is”. PassString 242 then proceeds to Process 246.

Process 246 enables or disables all possible combinations of M-bands andN-channels as determined by attribute data stored in the Memory 104 forthe then current unique latitude and longitude position. In the event noM-bands are enabled in the attribute data associated with the thencurrent unique latitude and longitude position, the uplink amplifier isdisabled accordingly. Process 246 Block then proceeds to Update ControlsOK 248 which outputs the corresponding Status Indicator 120 andAttribute Display 124 information.

FIG. 3 is a more detailed view of part of the invention, showing a blockdiagram for a preferred embodiment, focusing on how of the BidirectionalAmplifier 130 is selectively activated or deactivated in response to theattributes retrieved from the Memory 104. The enabling signal E(M,N) forChannel N within Band M is communicated to the Multi-band Selector 134,Multi-channel Selector 136, and On/Off Switch 138 within theBidirectional Amplifier 130. From there, the signal is routed to aspecialized amplifier for the selected band. For example, if anamplifier for Band 1 is to be activated or deactivated, then the signalis directed to the Band 1 Uplink Amplifier 304. More generally, if anamplifier for Band M is to be activated or deactivated, then the signalis directed to the Band M Uplink Amplifier 328. No instructions arerequired by the Band 1 Downlink Amplifier 318 or by the Band M DownlinkAmplifier 342. They are on continuously because we are only concernedwith preventing interference by uplink signals that are unnecessarilyamplified.

It is seen that the main configurations in the block diagram arerepeated for each of M bands. For example, in Band 1, the Band 1 UplinkAmplifier 304 is connected to two duplexers. It is connected to the Band1 Donor Duplexer 312 by connecting to the Band 1 Uplink Amplifier OutputTerminal 308 to the Band 1 Donor Duplexer Input Terminal 310. It isconnected to the Band 1 Rebroadcast Duplexer 300 by connecting the Band1 Uplink Amplifier Input Terminal 306 to the Band 1 Rebroadcast DuplexerOutput Terminal 302. Similarly, the Band 1 Downlink Amplifier 318 isconnected to the duplexers via the Band 1 Downlink Amplifier 318 InputTerminal 320 and the Band 1 Downlink Amplifier 318 Output Terminal 316,which are connected to the Band 1 Donor Duplexer Output Terminal 322 andBand 1 Rebroadcast Duplexer Input Terminal 314, respectively.

Repeating the configuration seen for Band 1, more generally, the Band MUplink Amplifier 328 is connected to the Band M Donor Duplexer 336 byconnecting the Band M Uplink Amplifier Output Terminal 332 to the Band MDonor Duplexer 336 Input Terminal 334. It is connected to the Band MRebroadcast Duplexer 324 by connecting the Band M Uplink Amplifier InputTerminal 330 to the Band M Rebroadcast Duplexer Output Terminal 326.Similarly, for the Band M Downlink Amplifier 342, the Band M DownlinkAmplifier 342 Input Terminal 344 is connected to the Band M DonorDuplexer 336 Output Terminal 346; and the Band M Downlink Amplifier 342Output Terminal is connected to the Band M Rebroadcast Duplexer InputTerminal 338.

All of the duplexers are connected directly to antennas. In general, theBand M Donor Duplexer 336 is connected to the Donor Antenna 142 via aport called the Band M Donor Duplexer 336 Antenna Connection 348.Similarly, the Band M Rebroadcast Duplexer 324 is connected theRebroadcast Antenna 126 via a port called the Band M RebroadcastDuplexer Antenna Connection 350.

With the above described combinations of amplifiers, duplexers, andantennas, the invention is capable of providing selective amplificationin multiple bands, and for multiple channels within each band.

FIG. 4 is a more detailed circuit schematic of the band selection blockdiagram, showing a preferred embodiment of how amplifiers for specificchannels within each band are selectively activated or deactivated. Theamplifiers are active filters with gain. The filters are tuned to thechannel and band that are selected in response to the attributesretrieved from the Memory 104.

It is seen that, in operation, signals from the Mobile Transceiver 146that are in Channel 1 of Band 1 are incident upon the RebroadcastAntenna 126. From there, the signals are routed by the Channel 1Rebroadcast Duplexer into the Channel 1 Uplink Amplifier Input Resistor400, and from there into the Channel 1 Uplink Amplifier Input Terminal 1402. The Channel 1 Uplink Amplifier Input Terminal 2 410 is at groundpotential. The feedback loop of the uplink amplifier includesprincipally the Channel 1 Resonant Stub 408 which is a very highreactive impedance at the channel and band of interest, thus providinggain, but only if the enabling signal EN(1, 1) is “on”. The resonantstub connected as a series circuit element along the feedback loop viaChannel 1 Resonant Stub Terminal 1 404 and Channel 1 Resonant StubTerminal 2 406. The amplified signals are directed to the Band 1 SummingAmplifier 508 Input Terminal 442 via the Channel I Uplink OutputTerminal 414.

Downlink signals from the Base Transceiver 156 are routed into theChannel 1 Downlink Amplifier Input Resistor 418, and from there into theChannel 1 Downlink Amplifier Input Terminal 1. The Channel 1 DownlinkAmplifier Input Terminal 2 is at ground potential. Gain is determined bythe Channel 1 Downlink Amplifier Feedback Resistor 416 in the feedbackloop.

More generally, signals from the Mobile Transceiver 146 that are inChannel N of Band 1 are routed to the Channel N Uplink Amplifier InputResistor 422, and from there to the Channel N Uplink Amplifier InputTerminal 1 430. The Channel N Uplink Amplifier Input Terminal 2 434 isat ground potential. The Channel N Uplink Amplifier 436 is an activefilter. The filter is tuned to the Band 1 Channel N frequency by theChannel N Uplink Amplifier 436 Resonant Stub. This resonant stub isconnected as a series circuit element within the feedback loop viaChannel N Resonant Stub 428 Terminal 1 424 and Channel N Resonant Stub428 Terminal 2 426. The amplifier itself is activated or deactivated bythe enabling signal EN(1,N) via the Channel N Uplink Amplifier EnablingBus 432. The output of the amplifier is routed to the Band 1 SummingAmplifier 508 Input Terminal 442 via the Channel N Uplink AmplifierOutput Terminal 438.

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing the summing and power amplifiers ofthe preferred embodiment. For each band, it is seen that the outputsfrom all channel amplifiers are directed into input resistors. Forexample, the output from the Band 1 Channel 1 Uplink Amplifier 304 isdirected into the Channel 1 Input Resistor to Band 1 Summing Amplifier500. More generally, the output from the Band 1 Channel N UplinkAmplifier is directed into the Channel N Input Resistor to Band 1Summing Amplifier 502. The signals are then combined at the Band 1Summing Amplifier Summing Node 504, and from there routed into the Band1 Summing Amplifier Input Terminal 1 510. The Band 1 Summing AmplifierInput Terminal 2 512 is at ground potential. The gain of the Band 1Summing Amplifier 508 is determined by the Band 1 Summing AmplifierFeedback Resistor 506.

The amplified, summed signals from all channels in Band 1 appear at theBand 1 Summing Amplifier Output Terminal 514. They are routed through ahigh pass filter, consisting essentially of a Band 1 High-pass FilterCapacitor 516 and a Band 1 High-pass Filter Resistor 518, to the Band 1Power Amplifier Input Terminal 520. The Band 1 Power Amplifier 522provides the final stage of signal gain, and the final, amplified signalappears at the Band 1 Power Amplifier Output Terminal 524. This signalis routed through the Band I Donor Duplexer 312, and from there to theDonor Antenna 142 for transmission to the Base Transceiver 156. Thus,selective amplification of weak communications signals has beenaccomplished.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, and 6F, taken together, are a schematic viewof a microcontroller circuit used in the preferred embodiment.

A Voltage Regulator 608 is provided to step down an unregulated voltagepresent at the Unregulated Voltage Output Terminal 602 to a RegulatedVoltage Output 616 of at least 750 milliamps at a direct current voltageof 3.3 volts. A Fuse 600 is provided in series with the VoltageRegulator Voltage Input Terminal 618 to protect against over-currentconditions. The Voltage Regulator 608 is a switch-mode design andrequires a Voltage Regulator Control Resistor 604, a Voltage RegulatorFlyback Coil 610, a Voltage Regulator Diode 612, and a Voltage RegulatorCapacitor 614 for proper operation. This voltage regulator 608 isavailable from many manufacturers including National Semiconductor,Micrel Inc., and ON Semiconductors, having part numbersLM2575T-3.3/NOPB, LM2575-3.3BT, and LM2575T-3.3G respectively. Anelectrical ground is continuously applied to the Voltage RegulatorControl Input Terminal 606 that shall cause the Voltage Regulator 608 tooperate at all times. The Voltage Regulator Feedback Input Terminal 620constantly senses the Regulated Output Voltage and provides an erroradjustment internal to the Voltage Regulator 608 to compensate for anychanges in the Regulated Voltage Output 616. The Unregulated VoltageOutput Terminal 602 also supplies power to the Bidirectional Amplifier130.

Light-emitting diodes are used to alert the user to the device'soperational status. The Power On LED 624 is illuminated whenever thedevice is powered and extinguished otherwise. The GPS Lock LED 626 isilluminated when a signal is available from the Global PositioningSatellite network and extinguished otherwise. The Amplifier ON LED 628is illuminated when the Bidirectional Amplifier 130 is activelyamplifying any band or channel, and extinguished otherwise. The MapInhibit LED 630 is illuminated when the Bidirectional Amplifier 130 isdisabled in accordance with the attributes associated withlatitude/longitude pairs retrieved from Memory 104. All LED indicators144 are interfaced to the Processor 116 using an Opto-Isolator 622.

The Processor 116 communicates with the GPS Receiver 102 using a serialdata link conforming to the Electronics Industry Association RecommendedStandard 232 for serial binary data communications. This serial datalink uses a Serial Transmitted Data 642 connection for processor 116 toGPS Receiver 102 communication and a Serial Received Data 644 connectionfor GPS Receiver 102 to Processor 116 communication. A GPS Antenna 100is connected to the GPS Antenna Terminal 646 on the GPS Receiver 102.

An output Relay 654 is used to optionally provide power to theBidirectional Amplifier 130. This Relay 654 is controlled by theProcessor 116 and requires the use of a Relay Driver Input Resistor 648and Relay Driver Transistor 650 configured in a common-emitter mode toincrease the current available to the Relay 654 coil. The secondary ofthe Relay 654 provides a Relay Common Contact 656 and a Relay NormallyOpen Contact 658, together forming a Form-A switch. This Form-A switchis then used to connect the Unregulated Voltage Output Terminal 602 tothe Bidirectional Amplifier 130 power connector. A Relay Driver Diode652 is used to protect the rest of the circuit from excessive voltagespikes generated when the Relay 654 disengages.

The Processor 116 is an 8-bit microcontroller such as the AtmelAT89S8253-24PC or similar device. A Bypass Capacitor 634 is used tofilter the 3.3 volt DC supply to the Processor 116. The Processor 116 isreset automatically on device power-up and can be manually reset usingthe Form-A User Reset Switch 668 connected to an RC timing circuitconsisting of a Reset Capacitor 664 and a Reset Resistor 666. The timeconstant of this RC timing circuit shall be approximately 250milliseconds. A logic level high on the Processor 116 reset pin willreset the Processor 116. The Processor 116 is clocked by an internaloscillator derived from the Oscillator Crystal 674. Oscillator Capacitor1 670 and Oscillator Capacitor 2 672 provide enough capacitance to theProcessor 116 internal oscillator to guarantee rapid start-up.

Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operatingrequirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in theart, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen forpurposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications whichdo not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of thisinvention.

Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected byLetters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.

1. A multi-band, multi-channel, location-aware communications boosterfor reducing interference to communications networks, enhancing therange and coverage of those networks, improving compliance withgovernmental regulations, and creating a new source of revenue forlicensees, comprising: means for the reception of Global PositioningSystem signal; means for receiving and decoding the GPS latitude andlongitude coordinate data, electrically connected to said means for thereception of Global Positioning System signal; means for storing adatabase of attributes associated with a large array of predeterminedlatitude/longitude pairs; means for electronically communicating thelatitude data from the processor to the memory, electrically connectedto said means for storing a database of attributes associated with alarge array of predetermined latitude/longitude pairs; means forelectronically communicating the longitude data from the processor tothe memory, electrically connected to said means for storing a databaseof attributes associated with a large array of predeterminedlatitude/longitude pairs; means for electronically communicating theattributes associated with a particular latitude and longitude pair tothe processor, electrically connected to said means for storing adatabase of attributes associated with a large array of predeterminedlatitude/longitude pairs; means for electronically communicating thelatitude and longitude position to the processor, electrically connectedto said means for receiving and decoding the GPS latitude and longitudecoordinate data; means for decoding the ASCII serial data output of theGPS receiver and converting it to data type suitable for furtherprocessing by the processor; means for collecting GPS data input fromthe GPS receiver, exchanging information with the memory, providingoperation indicators, determining any one of various band and/or channelselections, and controlling the relay, electrically connected to saidmeans for decoding the ASCII serial data output of the GPS receiver andconverting it to data types suitable for further processing by theprocessor, electrically connected to said means for electronicallycommunicating the latitude and longitude position to the processor,electrically connected to said means for electronically communicatingthe attributes associated with a particular latitude and longitude pairto the processor, electrically connected to said means forelectronically communicating the longitude data from the processor tothe memory, and electrically connected to said means for electronicallycommunicating the latitude data from the processor to the memory; meansfor providing the user with current device status information, such asthe on/off state of the device, electrically connected to said means forcollecting GPS data input from the GPS receiver, exchanging informationwith the memory, providing operation indicators, determining any one ofvarious band and/or channel selections, and controlling the relay; meansfor providing device status information to the user, electricallyconnected to said means for provide the user with current device statusinformation, such as the on/off state of the device; means forelectronically communicating attribute and device status information tothe human-readable display, electrically connected to said means forcollecting GPS data input from the GPS receiver, exchanging informationwith the memory, providing operation indicators, determining any one ofvarious band and/or channel selections, and controlling the relay; meansfor providing text-based attribute information to the user, electricallyconnected to said means for electronically communicating attribute anddevice status information to the human-readable display; means forrebroadcasting the mobile downlink radiofrequency spectrum from thebidirectional amplifier to the mobile transceiver, and for reception ofthe mobile uplink signal or signals; means for providing a connectionpoint for the rebroadcast antenna, electrically connected to said meansfor rebroadcasting the mobile downlink radiofrequency spectrum from thebidirectional amplifier to the mobile transceiver, and for reception ofthe mobile uplink signal or signals; means for amplifying the basedownlink and mobile uplink spectrum, electrically connected to saidmeans for providing a connection point for the rebroadcast antenna;means for providing electronic control of the band and channel selectionand operating parameters of the bidirectional amplifier; means forselecting operation for any one or more radiofrequency spectrum bands,functionally connected to said means for amplifying the base downlinkand mobile uplink spectrum, and electrically connected to said means forcollecting GPS data input from the GPS receiver, exchanging informationwith the memory, providing operation indicators, determining any one ofvarious band and/or channel selections, and controlling the relay; meansfor selecting operation for any one or more radiofrequency channelswithin a band, functionally connected to said means for amplifying thebase downlink and mobile uplink spectrum, and electrically connected tosaid means for collecting GPS data input from the GPS receiver,exchanging information with the memory, providing operation indicators,determining any one of various band and/or channel selections, andcontrolling the relay; means for the application or removal ofelectrical power to the bidirectional amplifier, functionally connectedto said means for amplifying the base downlink and mobile uplinkspectrum, and electrically connected to said means for collecting GPSdata input from the GPS receiver, exchanging information with thememory, providing operation indicators, determining any one of variousband and/or channel selections, and controlling the relay; means forproviding a connection point for the donor antenna, electricallyconnected to said means for amplifying the base downlink and mobileuplink spectrum; means for rebroadcasting the amplified mobile uplinkradiofrequency spectrum from the bidirectional amplifier to the basetransceiver, and for reception of the base downlink radiofrequencyspectrum, electrically connected to said means for providing aconnection point for the donor antenna; means for providing devicestatus and human-readable attribute display information to the user;means for communicating with the mobile transceiver using radiofrequencyenergy, electromagnetically coupled to said means for rebroadcasting themobile downlink radiofrequency spectrum from the bidirectional amplifierto the mobile transceiver, and for reception of the mobile uplink signalor signals; means for communicating with the bidirectional amplifierusing radiofrequency energy, electromagnetically coupled to said meansfor rebroadcasting the mobile downlink radiofrequency spectrum from thebidirectional amplifier to the mobile transceiver, and for reception ofthe mobile uplink signal or signals; means for communicating with thebase transceiver using radiofrequency energy, electromagneticallycoupled to said means for rebroadcasting the amplified mobile uplinkradiofrequency spectrum from the bidirectional amplifier to the basetransceiver, and for reception of the base downlink radiofrequencyspectrum; means for communicating with the bidirectional amplifier usingradiofrequency energy, electromagnetically coupled to said means forrebroadcasting the amplified mobile uplink radiofrequency spectrum fromthe bidirectional amplifier to the base transceiver, and for receptionof the base downlink radiofrequency spectrum; means for providing thelogical beginning of the software program; means for providing a defaultoperational state for the device; means for setting the default state ofthe uplink amplifier; means for setting the default state of thecontrols and indicators; means for testing for the physical presence ofthe memory card; means for testing for presence of a usable GPS signal;means for comparing the elapsed time without a usable GPS signal with apredetermined maximum value for the elapsed time; means for counting theelapsed time without a usable GPS signal; means for capturing the serialdata from the GPS receiver; means for extracting information from theGPS serial data; means for verifying that the GPS serial data is errorfree; means for comparing measured GPS altitude data with apredetermined maximum value; means for disabling the uplink amplifierfor altitudes greater than a predetermined value; means for revisingdevice status indicators and attribute display; means for retrievingmemory card authorization data; means for comparing memory cardauthorization data with anti-piracy values; means for disabling theuplink amplifier when anti-piracy values not satisfied; means forrevising device status indicators and attribute display; means forsearching the memory for files associated with the GPS derived location;means for comparing search results with GPS derived location; means forcomparing record format with predetermined encryption algorithm; meansfor accepting unencrypted data; means for deciphering encoded data;means for determining uplink amplifier state based on attributedretrieved from memory; means for revising device status indicators andattribute display; means for disabling the uplink amplifier because amatch was not found for the GPS derived location; and means for revisingdevice status indicators and attribute display.
 2. The multi-band,multichannel, location-aware communications booster in accordance withclaim 1, wherein said means for storing a database of attributesassociated with a large array of predetermined latitude/longitude pairs,comprises a Removable, Updatable, Non-Volatile Storage, Encryptedmemory.
 3. The multi-band, multi-channel, location-aware communicationsbooster in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for collectingGPS data input from the GPS receiver, exchanging information with thememory, providing operation indicators, determining any one of variousband and/or channel selections, and controlling the relay, comprises aHigh Speed, Multi-port processor.
 4. The multi-band, multi-channel,location-aware communications booster in accordance with claim 1,wherein said means for providing electronic control of the band andchannel selection and operating parameters of the bidirectionalamplifier, comprises an Enabler Bus.
 5. The multi-band, multi-channel,location-aware communications booster in accordance with claim 1,wherein said means for selecting operation for any one or moreradiofrequency spectrum bands, comprises a Multi-Band Selector.
 6. Themulti-band, multi-channel, location-aware communications booster inaccordance with claim 1, wherein said means for selecting operation forany one or more radiofrequency channels within a band, comprises aMulti-Channel Selector.
 7. The multi-band, multi-channel, location-awarecommunications booster in accordance with claim 1, wherein said meansfor the application or removal of electrical power to the bidirectionalamplifier, comprises an On/Off Switch.
 8. The multi-band, multi-channel,location-aware communications booster in accordance with claim 1,wherein said means for testing for the physical presence of the memorycard, comprises a “Memory Card Present” decision block.
 9. Themulti-band, multi-channel, location-aware communications booster inaccordance with claim 1, wherein said means for testing for presence ofa usable GPS signal, comprises a “GPS Lock” decision block.
 10. Themulti-band, multi-channel, location-aware communications booster inaccordance with claim 1, wherein said means for comparing the elapsedtime without a usable signal with a pre-determined maximum value,comprises a “Timer Expired” decision block.
 11. The multi-band,multi-channel, location-aware communications booster in accordance withclaim 1, wherein said means for counting the elapsed time without ausable GPS signal, comprises an “Increment Timer” block.
 12. Themulti-band, multi-channel, location-aware communications booster inaccordance with claim 1, wherein said means for comparing measured GPSaltitude data with a predetermined maximum value, comprises an“Altitude” decision block.
 13. The multi-band, multi-channel,location-aware communications booster in accordance with claim 1,wherein said means for disabling the uplink amplifier for altitudesgreater than a predetermined value, comprises an “Altitude Amp Off”block.
 14. The multi-band, multi-channel, location-aware communicationsbooster in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for comparingmemory card authorization data with anti-piracy values, comprises a“Memory Valid” decision block.
 15. The multi-band, multi-channel,location-aware communications booster in accordance with claim 1,wherein said means for disabling the uplink amplifier when anti-piracyvalues not satisfied, comprises a “Memory Amp Off” block.
 16. Themulti-band, multi-channel, location-aware communications booster inaccordance with claim 1, wherein said means for searching the memory forfiles associated with the GPS derived location, comprises a “Find BaseMap Record” block.
 17. The multi-and, multi-channel, location-awarecommunications booster in accordance with claim 1, wherein said meansfor comparing search results with GPS derived location, comprises a“Match Found” decision block.
 18. The multi-band, multi-channel,location-aware communications booster in accordance with claim 1,wherein said means for disabling the uplink amplifier because a matchwas not found for the GPS derived location, comprises a “Match Amp Off”block.
 19. A multi-band, multichannel, location-aware communicationsbooster for reducing interference to communications networks, enhancingrange and coverage of those networks, improving compliance withgovernmental regulations, and creating a new source of revenue forlicensees, comprising: a GPS antenna, for the reception of GlobalPositioning System signal; a GPS receiver, for receiving and decodingthe GPS latitude and longitude coordinate data, electrically connectedto said GPS Antenna; a Removable, Updatable, Non-Volatile Storage,Encrypted memory, for storing a database of attributes associated with alarge array of predetermined latitude/longitude pairs; a latitude bus,for electronically communicating the latitude data from the processor tothe memory, electrically connected to said Memory; a longitude bus, forelectronically communicating the longitude data from the processor tothe memory, electrically connected to said Memory; an attribute bus, forelectronically communicating the attributes associated with a particularlatitude and longitude pair to the processor, electrically connected tosaid Memory; a Serial Data, NMEA (National Marine ElectronicsAssociation) compliant decoder bus, for electronically communicating thelatitude and longitude position to the processor, electrically connectedto said GPS Receiver; a decoder, for decoding the ASCII serial dataoutput of the GPS receiver and converting it to data type suitable forfurther processing by the processor; a High Speed, Multi-port processor,for collecting GPS data input from the GPS receiver, exchanginginformation with the memory, providing operation indicators, determiningany one of various band and/or channel selections, and controlling therelay, electrically connected to said Decoder, electrically connected tosaid Decoder Bus, electrically connected to said Attribute Bus,electrically connected to said Longitude Bus, and electrically connectedto said Latitude Bus; a status bus, for providing the user with currentdevice status information, such as the on/off state of the device,electrically connected to said Processor; a User Accessible statusindicator, for providing device status information to the user,electrically connected to said Status Bus; a text bus, forelectronically communicating attribute and device status information tothe human-readable display, electrically connected to said Processor; aHuman-Readable attribute display, for providing text-based attributeinformation to the user, electrically connected to said Text Bus; arebroadcast antenna, for rebroadcasting the mobile downlinkradiofrequency spectrum from the bidirectional amplifier to the mobiletransceiver, and for reception of the mobile uplink signal or signals; arebroadcast antenna terminal, for providing a connection point for therebroadcast antenna, electrically connected to said Rebroadcast Antenna;a bidirectional amplifier, for amplifying the base downlink and mobileuplink spectrum, electrically connected to said Rebroadcast AntennaTerminal; an enabler bus, for providing electronic control of the bandand channel selection and operating parameters of the bidirectionalamplifier; a multi-band selector, for selecting operation for any one ormore radiofrequency spectrum bands, functionally connected to saidBidirectional Amplifier, and electrically connected to said Processor; amulti-channel selector, for selecting operation for any one or moreradiofrequency channels within a band, functionally connected to saidBidirectional Amplifier, and electrically connected to said Processor;an on/off switch, for the application or removal of electrical power tothe bidirectional amplifier, functionally connected to saidBidirectional Amplifier, and electrically connected to said Processor; adonor antenna terminal, for providing a connection point for the donorantenna, electrically connected to said Bidirectional Amplifier; a donorantenna, for rebroadcasting the amplified mobile uplink radiofrequencyspectrum from the bidirectional amplifier to the base transceiver, andfor reception of the base downlink radiofrequency spectrum, electricallyconnected to said Donor Antenna Terminal; an indicators, for providingdevice status and human-readable attribute display information to theuser; a mobile uplink, for communicating with the mobile transceiverusing radiofrequency energy, electromagnetically coupled to saidRebroadcast Antenna; a mobile downlink, for communicating with thebidirectional amplifier using radiofrequency energy, electromagneticallycoupled to said Rebroadcast Antenna; a base uplink, for communicatingwith the base transceiver using radiofrequency energy,electromagnetically coupled to said Donor Antenna; a base downlink, forcommunicating with the bidirectional amplifier using radiofrequencyenergy, electromagnetically coupled to said Donor Antenna; a startblock, for providing the logical beginning of the software program aninitialize hardware, for providing a default operational state for thedevice; an uplink amplifier off, for setting the default state of theuplink amplifier; an update controls, for setting the default state ofthe controls and indicators; a memory card present decision block, fortesting for the physical presence of the memory card; a GPS lockdecision block, for testing for presence of a usable GPS signal; a timerexpired decision block, for comparing the elapsed time without a usableGPS signal with a pre-determined maximum value for the elapsed time; anincrement timer, for counting the elapsed time without a usable GPSsignal; a get GPS data, for capturing the serial data from the GPSreceiver; a decode GPS data, for extracting information from the GPSserial data; a GPS data valid decision block, for verifying that the GPSserial data is error free; an altitude decision block, for comparingmeasured GPS altitude data with a predetermined maximum value; analtitude amp off block, for disabling the uplink amplifier for altitudesgreater than a predetermined value; an update controls altitude offblock, for revising device status indicators and attribute display; anauthenticate block, for retrieving memory card authorization data; amemory valid decision block, for comparing memory card authorizationdata with anti-piracy values; a memory amp off block, for disabling theuplink amplifier when anti-piracy values not satisfied; an updatecontrols memory, for revising device status indicators and attributedisplay; a find base map record, for searching the memory for filesassociated with the GPS derived location; a match found decision block,for comparing search results with GPS derived location; a data encrypteddecision block, for comparing record format with predeterminedencryption algorithm; a pass string, for accepting unencrypted data; adecryption, for deciphering encoded data; a process, for determininguplink amplifier state based on attributed retrieved from memory; anupdate controls ok, for revising device status indicators and attributedisplay; a match amp off block, for disabling the uplink amplifierbecause a match was not found for the GPS derived location; an updatecontrols match, for revising device status indicators and attributedisplay; and a GPS amp off, for disabling the uplink amplifier.